This is what appears to be a primitive Molasses stirring ladle or shovel. It was purchased more than 20 years ago from an auction of items from an antebellum sugar plantation in Southeast Louisiana.
At first glance it appears to be a shovel, but closer inspection shows an angled edge and it is made of one solid piece of hand carved cyprus. There is what appears to be black residue which is likely molasses from stirring the large metal kettles they use to cook.
It is an incredible piece of history and is of museum quality!